Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the financial impact of long-term empty property premiums on bereaved families managing estates.

When a property has been left empty following the death of its owner or occupant, it is exempt from council tax for as long as it remains unoccupied and until probate is granted. Following a grant of probate (or the signing of letters of administration), a further six months exemption is possible, so long as the property remains unoccupied and has not been sold or transferred to someone else. Furthermore, a property will be excepted from council tax premiums for up to 12-months following a grant of probate (or letters of administration).

Following these exemptions and exceptions normal rules on such properties will apply. Local authorities have the power to provide further discretionary discounts or support. It is for individual local authorities to decide whether additional support is appropriate based on local circumstances and government guidance.